Cuitu Negru (Busdongo)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Busdongo 1,845m 641m 11.2 km 5.7% 975 ***






Cuitu Negru from Busdongo - Cycling Profile

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Climb Description

Cuitu Negru immediately became a fans favourite when it was first used in the Vuelta a España in 2012, during a stage won by Dario Cataldo. The Vuelta climbed it via the Puerto de Pajares, which, unfortunately for us, carries too much traffic to really enjoy. Cuitu Negru is also busy from the south side, but it once you turn off the busy N-630 it becomes very quiet and a genuine battle between cyclist and gradients.

Despite the hype, Cuitu Negru is no Angliru. The final 3km are very steep and have tough pitches, but it is not as long or sustained as the toughest climbs. The road is also wide enough that you can zig-zag across to earn some respite if required.

Although not the toughest climbing in Spain, the final 3km of Cuitu Negru are beautiful, perched on the border of Asturias and León. If it were not for the traffic in the first part of the climb; this would be worthy of at least a **** rating.

Cuitu Negru is a ski resort and so the road is usually cleared in winter. It can be bitterly cold at this time of year though, so we would recommend climbing it from May to October.




Roads & Traffic

The road is in very good condition throughout. The section after Branillín used to be gravel, but has been paved since the 2012 Vuelta a España.

The first 5km are on a very busy road with a lot of heavy goods traffic. We don't recommend cycling this section; if you really want to climb Cuitu Negru, it is better to park your car at Puerto de Pajares next to the turn to Branillín. Once you have left the main road, heading towards Branillín, the traffic almost completely disappears.




Alternative Routes

Cuitu Negru can be climbed from the north, via the Puerto de Pajares.





Nearby Climbs


La Cubilla

La Cobertoria

Gamointeiro

El Cordal






Cycling Holidays

Our Great Climbs of the Vuelta cycling holiday can be adapted to include the climb to Cuitu Negru

Find out more in the links below about this and other holidays that we run in north-west Spain.




Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,490 EUR
Hospital de Orbigo Bridge
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,690 EUR
Picos de Europa National Park
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Medium to Challenging
Price: from €1,490 EUR